Union swings a big trade
On the eve of the MLS SuperDraft, the Philadelphia Union have pulled off a big deal for an attacking player whose name you'll want to keep in mind.
Union swings a big trade
Jonathan Tannenwald, Philly.com
On the eve of the MLS SuperDraft, the Philadelphia Union have pulled off a big deal for an attacking player whose name you'll want to keep in mind.
The Union acquired Fred, a Brazilian attacking midfielder, from D.C. United as well as D.C.'s seventh pick in the draft and some cash. In exchange, the Union gave up the top ranking in Major League Soccer's player allocation table. United used that slot to acquire goalkeeper Troy Perkins, who used to play for D.C. and decided he wanted to move back to the U.S. after two years with Norwegian club Valerenega.
Sound confusing? Here's a better way to look at it. United had goalkeeping problems for much of last seaseon. When Perkins played in DC from 2004 to 2007, he was really good, winning Goalkeeper of the Year in 2006. He then left for Norway, and recently decided he wanted to come home.
D.C. really wanted Perkins back. But because he has played for the U.S. national team, Perkins' return had to be subject to the MLS allocation process - sort of like a waiver wire. Each team in the league has an allocation ranking by which it can claim dibs on a player. Because they're an expansion team, the Union was first in line. D.C. was sixth.
The Union could therefore basically hold its spot in the rankings hostage, and that's what it looks like they've done. Fred came to DC in 2007 from Australian club Melbourne Victory, where he was popular and well-regarded. His best season in DC was his first, when he scored seven goals and tallied seven assists. But he never really quite fit in United's system to the degree fans hoped he would.
Now Fred gets a fresh start. Meanwhile, D.C. gets the guy it wants, and the Union get a player who adds some quality in attack to what had thus far been a roster with a lot of defense-oriented players.
It seems to me that everyone wins. What do you think?
I was an intern this past season for FC Dallas and got to watch Fred play twice. He is a very technically gifted player but he gets bored easily. Not sure how his work rate (or lack thereof) will go over in Philly. Also, it might just be me but he appears to have lost a step in the last few years. Still, if properly motivate, he can be a real threat in attack.— Leeds3- Philly has a soccer team?— mawst95
- Philly has a soccer team?— mawst95
- Three things surprised me about this article; 1. It was about soccer and not hockey. 2. There is actually a soccer league in the US. 3. This guy's name is just Fred. Seriously?
- Hilarious posts Billy and maws, but prepare yourselves for a Philly soccer team that's gonna win more titles in the next 5 years than your beloved BEagles have in the past ... oh shall we say 50 years.— The Time Is Now
- good move. Deep draft so the #7 pick is big, regardless of how well Fred fares. Sliding down a handful of allocation slots isn't much to give up. We'll thrash Perkins and Philly will be rocking this afternoon. We've got five major sports teams now boys, and the Union already have a better chance at a championship than at least half our other teams.— Phillysmooth
- I agree, Phillysmooth. I love this trade, and don't see a downside.— Scarf Machine
- Great trade. There are no free agents imminent for our No 1 allocation pick and Fred could blossom in the new environment. If he's too old, we drop him and still have the #6 allocation spot, not to mention getting teh #7 in today's draft.— philsoc8
- Great trade... let's hope it works out on the field.— mufc4ever9
- Looks like a good trade to me, too.— jester
- I've had season tickets to DC United for 3 years now and have watched Fred play. DCU was playing him out of position. Tom Soehn (not a fan of him by the way, glad he's away from DCU) was playing Fred out on the left side midfield. This is not his primary position. As long as Nowak plays him in Central Midfield, he will be great. Leeds said that he looked bored... I think he just looked out of position. He was never a great crosser of the ball and is just better at running at a defender and creating for others than anything else. I love Perkins, but Philly got a great deal here! Enjoy my favorite DCU player.— KevinQ
Reach Jonathan at jtannenwald@phillynews.com or 215-854-2330.
